I have two new POTS lines into a merlin. I have 6 existing centrex lines that seem to require a 9 as a prefix to the number. The end result is that users dial 9 as the outcode, and then 9xxxxxxx. So, they are used to dialing 99 for an outside line, which does not work for these 2 new lines, as the second 9 is being passed to the local CO. Verizon refused to provision these lines any other way.

Can I set up a new trunk group for the 2 new lines, and absorb the extra 9 that users are used to dialing? I moved the 2 lines to the next trunk group, but it seems ARS is using the default tables, so they are uneditable.

Ideally, I would like a transparent solution to the users - dial 99, use either pool, and things work.

You can move the new group to the programmable tables 1 thru 24 in ars after which you can assign a 9 to the absorb digits. This is all described in the manual on page 85. here is the link to the manual https://support.avaya.com/elmodocs2/magix_r3/730110_1.pdf

It seems ARS tables are geared up for routing based on areas codes, or other location deterministic data. Is there any way to avoid this?

you dont have to use that information. just the absorb digits. leave the rest blank. unless you want to route by area code. i dont know of another way to do this.

Put your 2 new, non-centrex lines in their own pool, then in the default local and toll tables, put your 2nd pool in as the second route, and absorb the 1st digit there.

When I choose ars:

Ars Input - Enter table number (I put 15) - it prompts me for either 6 digit | Area Code | Exchange | 1+7. I cannot not select any one of those.

If I choose SubA absorb , it does not let me enter a table route combo that does not exist.

If I choose sub a pools, I can enter 141 as table/ route, and can not select a dial out code. But this table (141) is not usable in the suba absorb option either.

Should I be using Ars 1+7 dial to create the table?

I have two new POTS lines into a merlin. I have 6 existing centrex lines that seem to require a 9 as a prefix to the number.

The question everybody missed is quite obvious. Why aren't these two new lines Centrex also? You have Centrex for a reason, many cases it just because of lower monthly line charges, other times for the features. Bottom line is it's usually cheaper than regular trunks.

Sounds like somebody did some ordering without knowing what they were doing.

Rather than busting a gut trying to figure out how to make this work find out if and why it was screwed up and fix that.

-Hal